Closed rural bridges part of $21K inspection, rehab plan in South Dundas

In this Friday, Sept. 23, 2016 photo provided by South Dundas, two bridges (marked by green dots) have been closed due to safety concerns. It's not known when they will reopen. (South Dundas via Newswatch Group)

MORRISBURG – The Municipality of South Dundas is spending close to $21,000 for an assessment on repairing three bridges.

The bridges on Devries Road, south of County Road 5, and the South Branch Road bridge, south of Gilmour Road, have been off limits to traffic since September after they were abruptly closed due to structural issues.

The Nine Mile Road bridge was closed in February, also due to structural issues.

South Dundas council agreed Tuesday night to have HP Engineering do an inspection and rehabilitation plan for $20,940.

A council report shows three companies went on site to do a cursory inspection but only one put in a bid.

“Here we are putting in $20,000. Are we prepared for the report that comes back to spend the money…six figures if that all if we do anything?” Deputy Mayor Jim Locke quipped.

The municipality has set aside $400,000 in the 2017 budget for bridge work.